Programs & Services

MVLC Network Requests

Patrons may request and renew books from home, by telephone (978-526-7711) or by Internet. In any case, please have your library card available. When using the patron services on the Online Catalog, enter your Library card number in full, without spaces. Your PIN number is initially set as the last four digits of your phone number. Call the Library if you experience a problem. Renewing by phone is subject to staff availability. Renewals must be made in real time. Please do not leave messages to request or renew books on the Library’s voice mail.

There is no limit to the number of requests a patron can place; however, borrowing non-book formats is limited to six each per patron (examples: DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs ; electronic games are limited to one). Please be mindful of the limited space behind the Circulation Desk; do not request more items than you can use at one time. Requests place by library staff for a patron are limited to three titles.

Please note that libraries do not put new DVDs into the delivery system for two months. You may discover that your DVD request is being held at the owning library.

When your requested item is delivered to the Manchester Public Library, we will call, text or email you, depending on how you have set up your account. We will hold requested items for 7 days, then we must return them to the owning library. You may call the library, or log into your account at any time to check on the status of a request.

Books borrowed from other MVLC libraries may be returned at the Manchester Library. As part of the consortia, these books are automatically checked in and routed to their owning library.

Books borrowed from other Massachusetts public libraries may also be returned here. These books are not checked in and therefore may accrue fines while in transit to their owning library.

Email Notification

The Library offers e-mail notification to patrons for hold notification and overdue notices. If you prefer to be notified via e-mail for all you notices from the Library, speak with a staff member about this service. Due to limited staff time and postage costs, the library no longer mails overdue notices, only billing notices.

Managing Your Request List

To avoid missing a long-awaited book, patrons may suspend their requests while away from home. Log into your account information, choose the “Holds” tab, check the box next to the title/titles, then click on “Change Status.” Select the date to activate the hold. NOTE: this only applies to items with an “Active” status. Items already “in transit” or on the “Holds Shelf” cannot be suspended.

InterLibrary Loan

For titles not available in the MVLC online catalog use the Virtual Catalog link to search library catalogs throughout Massachusetts. There is no limit to the number of requests placed directly by patrons. For staff assistance with interlibrary loan there is a limit of 3 requests per person. Contact the Reference Librarian for assistance, 978-526-2017.

To borrow books not available in the MVLC catalog or the Virtual Catalog, please ask for assistance from Library staff. Contact the Reference Librarian for assistance, 978-526-2017.

To borrow magazines from another library, please ask for assistance from Library staff. 978-526-7711.

To request a copy of a periodical article, or for help using a periodical database, please ask for assistance from Library staff. Contact the Reference Librarian for assistance, 978-526-2017.

Book Club Kits available from MVLC

Contact the Circulation Desk to reserve a Book Club Kit. 978-526-7711.

A book club kit contains 15 paperback copies of one title, a discussion guide to assist book club leaders and when available, a large print copy of the same title, and a DVD or video relating to the book. These items are placed in a canvas tote for your convenience and checked out to you for six weeks. Just grab it and go! You may reserve these directly online up to two years in advance!

(Please note, kits cannot be reserved through the Evergreen Catalog.)

Fax Service

The Library offers outgoing fax service for $1 for up to 5 pages maximum.

Computer Services

The Library has five internet workstations (including an iMac) attached to a laser printer. Patrons must register at the circulation desk. Time is limited to one hour unless no one is waiting. Printing is 10 cents per page, for B&W, 25 cents for color. The Library’s public internet service is freely provided by Comcast. The Library also offers wireless connection to the public. There is a 15 minute express email station available in the Circulation Hall. There are two educational games computers located in the Children’s Room.

Computer Classes

The library provides free computer workshops by appointment. Choose the best time for you to learn (or brush up on) the Internet, Online Catalog, E-mail, Search Engines, EReaders, Subscription Databases, or a topic of your choice. Make an appointment today for one-on-one assistance from Adult Services Librarian Rachael Theriault. Designate the day, time and topic. Don’t put off getting your digital feet wet any longer. Stop in or call the library at 978-526-2017 or email: rtheriault at mvlc.org.

Tax Forms

The library has reproducible tax forms for the IRS throughout the year. During tax season the library has a selection of forms and booklets.

Homebound Delivery

The Library offers home delivery and pick-up of materials to Manchester residents who are temporarily or permanently homebound. Please call the Library for assistance (978-526-7711).

Photocopy machine

The color photocopier can either enlarge or reduce image size. Paper sizes available are 8.5″ by 11″ and 8.5″ by 14″. Cost is 20 cents per copy. The Friends of the Library provide the copy machine/internet printer for public use.

Books-at-the-Beach

Every summer the Library supplies the Singing Beach bathhouse with a paperback book collection. Books are available Mondays through Fridays; books may be returned either to the bathhouse or to the library.

Readers Advisory

Food Donation Collection Point

Twice a year, June and December, the library collects non-perishable food in for the Open Door in Gloucester.